Sheila Mae Duebbert

Sheila Mae Duebbert, 89, passed away peacefully on May 11, 2025, with her two daughters and caregiver friend by her side, surrounded by love. Sheila was born on November 4, 1935, in Hastings, NE, to Charles E. and Helen (Spellman) Uerling.

Sheila graduated from Hastings High School in 1953 and Stephens College in Columbia, MO, in 1955, where she earned a degree in Airline Administration. With a spirit of adventure, she moved to Denver, CO, and began working for Trans World Airlines.

On February 15, 1958, Sheila married Harold Duebbert. Sheila and Harold began their life together by moving to Oakes, ND, where their daughter Julie was born. They lived in Upham, ND, then moved to Devils Lake, where their second daughter, Karen, was born. They moved to Oregon and in 1966, they moved to Jamestown, ND, where they made their home for many years. Together, they raised their two daughters, who they adored. Harold’s career required several relocations, and Sheila’s warmth and ability to connect with others helped her family adapt to each new place they lived. She had a gift for making new acquaintances feel as though they had known her for years.

Once her daughters graduated, she pursued adult education classes. Sheila later moved to Fargo to be closer to family and friends. She worked at Catholic Family Services, American Cancer Society, Peggy’s Hallmark, and Doctor’s Trust Vitamins. Some of the co-workers and friends she met through work became like extended family.

In her later years, Sheila enjoyed adventures with dear friends to Arizona, Branson, and California. She loved playing bridge, dancing, golfing, and cheering for the Minnesota Twins. The special bond she shared with the family’s Black Labs brought her great delight. Above all, she cherished the time spent with her family and friends. Sheila was enormously proud of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

A woman of deep Catholic faith, Sheila relied on her trust in Jesus as her source of strength. Since 2019, Sheila resided at CHI Riverview, where she formed lasting friendships, including with the Presentation Sisters of Ireland. The care, compassion, and sense of community she found there brought her peace and joy in her final years.

Those who knew Sheila will remember her as a kindhearted woman with a heart of gold, a patient encourager (especially with those navigating hardships) and someone who always took time to listen. Her life was a beautiful testament to quiet strength, grace, and love. Sheila had an eye for fashion, and loved wearing the latest styles. She had a great sense of humor, sometimes a bit sarcastic, that she had until her last days.

Sheila is survived by her daughters Julie (Tracy) Nelson Wanzek (Jamestown, ND) and Karen (Mike) Eischens (Victoria, MN); grandchildren Jessica (James) Duletski, John (Brooke) Eischens, Jared (Jessica) Nelson, Scott Eischens, Steve Eischens and Josh Nelson; great-grandchildren Josephine, Charlotte, Leo, Lennon, Gavin, Kenley, and Haisley. She is also survived by a special cousin Rick (Connie) Spellman (Omaha, NE). She was preceded in death by her parents, brothers Chuck Uerling and infant brother John Edward Uerling and sister-in-law Margretha (Dee) Uerling.

Mass of Christian Burial:  1:30 pm Thursday, May 22nd at Riverview Place Chapel, 5300 12th St S, Fargo.

Visitation: 12:30 to 1:30pm in Riverview Chapel.

Burial: Parkview Cemetery in Hastings, Nebraska at a later date.

Memorial donations to CHI Riverview, Diocese of Fargo or Presentation Sisters at Riverview Crosshaven.

West Funeral Home

westfuneralhome.com

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